Infinite Stratos (IS)

The IS was originally created for space work, so the pilot is protected by a special shield. Also, the IS has the ability to adjust body functions to keep the pilot in a stable state. It can increase heart rate, pulse, lung capacity, amount of sweat lost, and endorphin's, which are amino acids that the brain releases during times of pain, exercise, or excitement.

Today, even though many countries and enterprises engage in Infinite Stratos research and development, all information related to manufacturing the central component, called the core, has never been released. The cores of the 467 IS that exist today were all personally created by Doctor Shinonono. The IS core is effectively a black box, and no one other than Doctor Shinonono has succeeded in manufacturing one. However, Doctor Shinonono has declined to create more than a certain number. As a result, all countries, organizations and enterprises are forced to do their research, development and training with their allotted number of IS cores. Trading of cores is strictly prohibited by Title 7 of the Alaska Treaty...

Additionally, when someone touches an IS, they receive information on the IS. The information floods into the consciousness of the individual and in a matter of seconds, anything and everything about the IS materializes in front of their eyes: the basic movements of the IS, operation method, capabilities, characteristics, existing equipment, active time limit, movement range, sensitivity, radar search, armor residue, output gauge, and so on...Within these seconds, the individual will understand everything about the IS. The vision is also linked to all sorts of sensors, the numbers and readouts appearing directly in the mind. The individual can the “feel” information about their surroundings through those readouts.

An Infinite Stratos (IS) is a powered exoskeletons, Designed by Tabane Shinonono, they possess technology and combat capabilities far more advanced than any other weapon system, thus threatening to destabilize the world. All IS's have the following features; Passive Inertia Control or PIC. The PIC allows the IS to accomplish extreme agility and mobility unparalleled by any conventional platform. PIC largely absorbs and negates impact shock, thus protecting the pilot and the IS from catastrophic events such as high-speed collision. Hyper Sensor, which wne linked to the pilot, she receive augmented sensory input data from IS's sensor, directly into 5 sensory system in her body. Simply put, when piloting an IS, the pilot's senses such as vision are greatly improved. Using the sensory data input from IS, the pilot gains 360 degree field of view, being able to 'see' directions that are not possible for human body without turning her head. All IS's have shielding that is the primary protection for the IS and the pilot, which is provided through the use of an energy shield that can block both physical and optical weapons. Reapiring of an IS is automatically handled upon receiving damage while in its Closed Form period. Additionally, as the IS is involved in fights, the core of the IS records the data. The resulting data collected would be implemented throughout its component to improve their efficiency, however, the damaged component would be left out of equation.

IS Training Suit

The IS Training Suit is a suit that looks like an old school swimsuit, each manufacturer adds advanced life protection function and comfort while complying with regulations specified by the school. A vital monitor is built into the intelligence tag at the base of the throat; it is able to constantly check the student’s physiological state and position. This suit is worn by students when equipping most standard-type IS. The holes in the hip region, as well as intentionally cutting off the part where most stresses occur during exercise in the old school swimsuit and dispersing the load, also functions as a ventilator. The sealing part of the leg protector adheres to the skin when the switch of the tag is pressed causing the voltage to go through the silicon molecules.

Additionally, the IS Suit will detect the weak electricity on the skin and pass the signals of the user's movements to all the parts of the body before the IS can take action. Also, this suit is really durable, it can completely withstand a mini-caliber gunshot. The IS suit is also able to absorb sweat and the wearer is never effected due to this. All students and IS pilots have these suits that are normally worn under regular clothing.

Features/Characteristics of all IS

PIC (Passive Inertia Control): Incorporating PIC allows the IS to accomplish extreme agility and mobility unparalleled by any conventional platform. PIC largely absorbs and negates impact shock, thus protecting the pilot and the IS from catastrophic events such as high-speed collision. PIC is also applied to flight assist and coupled with gravity control technology, makes IS capable of flight and hovering.

Hyper Sensor: When the pilot is linked to the Hyper Sensor, she receive augmented sensory input data from IS's sensor, directly into 5 sensory system in her body. Simply put, when piloting an IS, the pilot's senses such as vision are greatly improved. Using the sensory data input from IS, the pilot gains 360 degree field of view, being able to 'see' directions that are not possible for human body without turning her head (Such as behind, directly above and below). However, because such improved sensory input is much different from normal human body, the pilot must process the input data into something she could comprehend first. (The speed and efficiency of processing such data decides the effectiveness of IS piloting).

Shielding: The primary protection for the IS and the pilot provided through the use of an energy shield that can block both physical and optical weapons. The level of protection of an IS shied is sufficient to be impenetrable to most conventional weaponry, but can be penetrated by high-powered IS weaponry. The integrity of the energy shield is maintained unless the IS is depleted of power, but the shield tends to lose its strength when nearing a complete power depletion.

Battle Damage/Repair: As an IS gains experience during any situation while it is active, (be it normal training or combat, or even a simple checkup) it records data about its every components and proceeds with optimization process. When a IS receives damage, it automatically tries to repair the damage during its Closed Form period. The resulting data collected would be implemented throughout its component to improve their efficiency, but the damaged component would be left out of equation. It is possible to activate a damaged IS (as long as it has power left) but such action - especially entering combat situation with a damaged IS - is highly undesirable, since the IS would try to cope with the given situation only with components that are still operational. Activating a partially damaged IS causes the inoperable components (damaged parts) to stop optimization until it is fully repaired.

Components

Cores: The Black box of an IS that allows it to function. Because only 467 Cores were created, most of them are shared by the world's governments where only a few IS pilots, who work under certain organizations and large corporations, possess their own personal IS. The reason for having Designated Pilot and Personal IS lies with the very nature of IS itself; possessing self evolving mechanism which is manifested only when IS is kept paired with a pilot for a prolonged time. It is considered illegal to exchange or remove the cores, due to the fact the core is a mixture of an AI and a power source. Of the 467 cores created, 322 are used for actual combat and the remaining 145 are handed over to research facilities and enterprises of various countries.

Energy Barrier/Absolute Defense: The Absolute Protection is activated by IS itself and not by pilot. If the attack is deemed by the IS as not life-threatening to cause serious injury to its pilot, IS would not activate Absolute Protection ability, even if it results in minor~moderate injury to its pilot. This ability is said to be able to protect the pilot from any kind of attack, but it also has seriously high power consumption, depleting the power of IS with just single activation (In that sense, it is more like pilot safety mechanism rather than combat defense mechanism). In competitions, the pilot is declared to have lost the fight if the shield level hits zero, so as to avoid any injury to the pilots.

Mandatory Unlock: Although only mentioned once the IS also reacts to extreme damage to the IS itself or its pilot. This is called the “mandatory unlocks”. There is a warning that you are taking too much damage. If this continues the IS will return to its “closed form”. Apparently, it is dangerous for this to happen.

Preset: The standard weapon/equipment that all IS possess in the beginning, such as swords for melee type, rifles for long range.

Equalizer: All IS come with a basic weaponry, called Preset, but it also has a number of expansion slots that could be used to field additional equipment, which comes in various forms, such as additional weaponry, thrusters, and augmented armor plates. These Equalizers need to be installed into IS first, not an easy feat to accomplish, since every IS core is unique and each of them has its individuality, (one might say personality) it is possible for a IS to reject installation of certain Equalizer.

The Equalizers could be assembled into package type for an IS, designed to fulfill a specific task, as long as there are enough expansion slots left. (A bombardment package would consist of something like following sets of Equalizers: Long-range cannon + Stabilizer device + Augmented armor plate). An Equalizer Package tends to be designed for a specific IS, since components such as additional thrusters or armor plates would have to fit the IS. (For the same reason, hand-held weapon type Equalizers tend to be more compatible with other IS).

• Advantage: Equalizers that are attached to IS (such as thrusters or armor plates) are called up simultaneously with IS, but hand-held weapon type could be called up while in activation. In this manner, the pilot doesn't have to worry about carrying numerous equipment during activation. She just needs to call up the weapon that is needed at any given time. Also, Equalizers allow for enhanced combat ability by allowing the IS pilot more options and versatility while in battle, provided training is undergone to learn the mechanics of the pilot's various Equalizers.
• Disadvantage: Equalizer, just like an IS in closed form, is called up by pilot's thought process. It is possible to call up by announcing the name of Equalizer, (or IS) but this is only because the announcing act helps the pilot to concentrate her thought (which is the actual command). The 'announcing' way is considered as a method for inexperienced pilot who has difficulty with call-up just with mental command. Also, verbally announcing the Equalizer or IS basically ends up warning the opponents, and verbal announcement takes rather long time compared to the time required by experienced pilot to mentally command call-up, which takes fraction of seconds. Since Equalizer is materialization of installed data within the IS (This is same for all IS) even if it is damaged or destroyed during combat, it is not truly 'gone,' but it does require maintenance or restoration just like damaged IS, and is rendered ineffective or inoperable during those period.

Forms of IS

The following talks about the different forms an IS will take: Inactive Form/Standby Mode - The form all IS take when there are no pilots. In this case, IS retains the physical manifestation of its components even when inactivated, and call-up just activates IS without any significant visible change. Described by Ichika to be kneeling like a samurai before its Lord. All Training IS are in this state since the fitting process is rendered useless due to multiple users. Active Mode

1st Shift - The form taken after the IS has finished configuring the settings. This is the stage that most users would have for Personal IS. Here they gained full usage of the weaponry given.

2nd Shift - An upgrade from the 1st Shift. This is apparently a rare case for an IS to go into a second form, as there are not many cases of IS unit evolving to 2nd Shift. In 2nd Shift, the IS undergoes a dramatic transformation, altering its appearance and gaining new abilities, in particular, the One Off Ability, which is unique to that particular unit and is only avail on 4th Gen IS'.

3rd Shift - This is the upgrade from 2nd Shift and just like the 2nd Shift, it is rare for this to happen and is extremely limited. The IS undergoes a dramatic transformation, altering its appearance and gaining new abilities, in particular, the One Off Ability, which is unique to that particular unit just like 2nd Shift and only on 4th Gen IS'.

Closed Form - The form the IS takes when not being used. It takes on different shapes for different users, mostly accessories like ring, earrings, necklaces, etc. for girls, and a gauntlet/bulky bracelet for Ichika.

Name	Standing	Thoughts
Nagato	Respected	Nagato is friendly and was very polite and I respect her for that. She seems to have knowledge in many areas and I hope to learn from her what she knows so that I may become better and to determine what my role is here within the Union. Additionally, she kind of scares me, and I really do not want to get on her bad side.
Kazuko Kawakami	Sisterly Friendship	Kazuko is very friendly and we are similar in that we work hard not to fail. Moreover, we are close in age and we are going to be very good friends and I am happy to meet someone who can assist me in many areas, not just training. I believe we will become like sisters.
Yang Xiao Long	Friendly
Eve	Friendly	Eve is an interesting person, in that she has not had the education or experience that others have had. She is alien to many aspects and I will be glad to help her learn some.
Rebecca Chambers	Respected
Maya	Friendly
Kyle Katarn	Friendly
Revan	Timid
Nima Kairn	Timid Politeness Scared	She scares me and it is not just her appearance, which is cute. Its what she can do. The way she was able to know what I was feeling and yet she did not do anything to take advantage of it or use it to her advantage is nice. She is actually very polite and would make a decent friend, although I am still gonna be careful when I am around her. After fighting against her, I am scared of her and do not want to run into her again.
Staren	Unknown	I am not sure just what is with this man. He seems to be somewhat arrogant but sounds like he cares. Although I really do not know. He does look fun in what Hikari Fleet Uniform though.
Rarity	Respected	She is a very nice pony and one who does good work in the area of making outfits, specifically dresses. Maybe she will make a good friend.
Lute	Friendship	A nice person and also kissed me. Although, I think maybe I should have hit him for the kiss that he did.... But he was nice and polite for allowing me to stay at the Valentine's Party he had.
Sanary Rondel	Friendly	Even though she is a Confederate, she is still nice and polite. Plus she is someone who I could talk too at some point if I need a friend.
Lima Ultimos	Friendly	A gentleman that is a pirate and undead... If ever a thing was possible, but he is not like the pirates that are in the History book. A very polite person.
Karin Icefang	Friendly	An amazing person for what he has to do in his role and how he treats everyone who is under him. A person who is knowledgeable in many areas yet has respect for people and does not judge. A very good friend.
All-Seeing Eye	Friendly Respect	Polite and nice, kind of stand-offish, but has a lot of knowledge and one that I could talk to if I need to and provides advise without beating around the bush.
Josuke Higashikata	Friendly	Very polite and nice, although he has funny looking hair. He is one that I am happy to meet and consider him a friend and one who I will help if he requires it. Additionally he is attractive.
Robert Speedwagon	Friendly

2016

Name	Gift Received
Anne Blakely	Gift card with one million credits
Ren Tanaka	Gift card for fashion
Nagato	Week off with pay

Name	Gift Sent

2017

Name	Gift Sent
Mortimer Balman, Tanya Degurechaff	Scottish Haggis with a Christmas card, handwritten with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Main th' laird keep ye in his hain, an' ne'er close his fist tay techt oan ye!' (May the Lord keep you in His hand, and never close His fist too tight on you!)
Karin Icefang	A small Scottish Wolf cub, a Christmas card, handwritten with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Tiodhlac bheag don fhear a chaill thu.' (A small gift for the one you lost)
All-Seeing Eye	A christmas card, handwritten with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Slàinte, sonas agus beartas.' (Health, wealth and happiness.) and it is with a book on the History of Mairead's world.
Touta Konoe	A pass to the IS Academy, a Christmas card, handwritten with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slainte agus sonas.' (May your cup overflow with health and happiness.), and a book on various topics about the Multiverse, the radio frequency of the IS pilots (both IC and OOC) a box of ribbon candy and laundered clothes.
Josuke Higashikata	A Christmas card, handwriting with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi 'snach fhaic!' (Good health, every day, whether I see you or not!) a pass to the IS Academy, and a hand-written letter offering a trip to the IS Academy and a dinner of his choice.
Nagato	A Christmas card, handwriting with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!' (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!), Some docs with information on the new IS that Mairead has and a note that reads If she wants to use her IS, she can at anytime.
Kazuko Kawakami, Yang Xiao Long, Rarity, Septette Arcubielle, Eve, Maya, Lute, Rebecca Chambers, Staren, Sanary Rondal, Lima Ultimos, All Factions	A Christmas card, handwritten with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!' (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!).
Robert Speedwagon	A few books on Vampires from authors from Bram Stoker, Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, Richard Burton Matheson and others. A Christmas card, handwriting with a calligraphy pen with a Scottish quote that reads: 'Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!' (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)

Name	Gift Received
Nagato	They all receive a card with the Admiral's thanks, from using the IS Yugana Kaze to the training and for Mairead herself (IS Academy). Mairead gets a Shiratsuyu-class Uniform as well as a note: "Perhaps it's time to see if you can use the equipment. Just keep in mind, you can't use your IS and the Destroyer equipment at the same time. One or the other."
Josuke Higashikata	An advertisement -- and a handful of gift certificates -- for the Deux Magots Cafe in Morioh. The cafe is inspired by the famous Les Deux Magots café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, and bills itself as the place for 'Morioh's Best and Brightest'. It's telling that mostly high school students go there. There's a note (in Japanese) that reads, 'After the fiasco at Tonio's, I didn't figure you'd want to go back there, even if his food is incredibly good. So this is another place in Morioh that I like. It's kind of like a meeting place for students, and the food is pretty good AND pretty affordable on a student budget.'
Chevalier	A series of poseable action figures of Eryl Fairfax, All-Seeing Eye, Shigure, and Sir Gawain, and they're relatively detailed and iconic, showing off the 'heroes' in potentially crime-busting glory etc. This includes equippable gear for those heroes who aren't themselves physically imposing.
All-Seeing Eye	A large, but well-made and very warm burgundy sweater that complements Mairead's red hair. The front of it reads BOSS in gold lettering, the font bold and blocky. There's also a plain black snapback that's the same shade as the black trim on her school uniform. Lastly, a framed photo of All-Seeing Eye, signed with a personal message. "Confidence is key, Mairead! Make it look easy!

Professional

• A Second Year student of the IS Academy on Academy Island in Tokyo, Japan.
• Joined the Hikari Defense Alliance under the command of Admiral Nagato and is listed as a Destroyer.
• Enrolled at Kawakami Academy in Kawakami City.
• IS Academy Liasion to the Multiverse

Personal

• Mairead has measurements of 36B-24-34
• Her Blood Type is the rare AB-, which is .6% of the world's population.
• Clan Sandilands is an actual clan in Scotland and a sept of the larger Clan Douglas. The Clan Tartan is the Clan Douglas Tartan.

• Mairead is Bi and is attracted to both males and females.

• IS Academy Uniform: Consists of a white blazer with long sleeves, while around her neck, is a yellow tie that designates her as a Second-year student. Her legs are covered by green leggings that end under the skirt, while the skirt stops an inch to two inches above the knee. Her feet are clad in dark grey two-inch heels and you notice some type of small weapon in the top of the left legging if it could be seen under her skirt. A tartan sash in the clan colors of Sandilands goes from her left shoulder and ends at her right hip, where it is clasped with the crest of her family; displaying an eagle with wings spread, with the words 'Spero Meliora' on the badge.
• Kawakami Academy Uniform: Consists of a white long-sleeved shirt with navy blue lining along the center of the shirt, the pockets and at the end of the sleeves. The skirt is a matching white that stops an inch or two above the knee with the same matching navy blue lining. Her feet are clad in dark grey two-inch heels and you notice some type of small weapon in the top of the left legging if it could be seen under her skirt. A tartan sash in the clan colors of Sandilands goes from her left shoulder and ends at her right hip, where it is clasped with the crest of her family; displaying an eagle with wings spread, with the words 'Spero Meliora' on the badge.
• Hikari Defense Alliance

• SDP: A black serafuku with the collar that is cape-like that is white with black trim and a matching pleated skirt is white with black trimming. A white undershirt can be seen under the uniform top that is covering the collarbones while a black anchor is embroidered on the sides of the collar. On her right shoulder appears to be a spot for something to be attached to, but it is hard to say what. Her legs are covered with black leggings that end under the matching white knee-length skirt. Her feet are clad in dark grey two-inch heels. On top of her head, sits a small black cap with a pin on it, cast in silver in the letters SDP.
• Shiratsuyu Fuku: Currently, she is wearing a black serafuku with a white sailor-style collar and a matching black. The black blouse has white rolled up sleeves while a red tie hands down under the white collar and is clenched by a white slide. Her feet are clad in dark grey two-inch heels and she has green leggings that end three inches above her knees. A small weapon of some type is in the top of the left legging.